Abstract: A method of forming a glass sheet comprises: (a) forming a ribbon of glass from molten glass with a pair of forming rollers; (b) reducing horizontal temperature variability of the ribbon of glass to be 10° C. or less across 80 percent of an entire width of the ribbon of glass before the ribbon of glass cools to a glass transition temperature; (c) controlling a cooling rate of the ribbon of glass while the ribbon of glass moves vertically downward within a setting zone such that the ribbon of glass has a first average cooling rate before the ribbon of glass cools to the glass transition temperature and a second average cooling rate after the ribbon of glass cools to the glass transition temperature, the first average cooling rate being less than the second average cooling rate; and (d) separating a glass sheet from the ribbon of glass.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of ceramics having the formula Ln.sub.1?xM.sub.xMnO.sub.3, where 0.Itoreq.x.Itoreq.1 and where Ln is La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu or Y; M is Ca, Sr, Ba, Cd, or Pb; manganite precursors for preparing the ceramics; a method for preparing the precursors; and a method for transforming the precursors into uniform, defect-free ceramics having magnetoresistance properties. The manganite precursors contain a sol and are derived from the metal alkoxides: Ln(OR).sub.3, M(OR).sub.2 and Mn(OR).sub.2, where R is C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.3 to C.sub.9 alkoxyalkyl, or C.sub.6 to C.sub.9 aryl. The preferred ceramics are films prepared by a spin coating method and are particularly suited for incorporation into a device such as an integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A simplified spike tooth harrow includes an apertured bracket pivotally connected to the fore-and-aft connecting strap extending between the tine bars. The bracket adjustably supports a tine bar from the strap. A pin selectively secured in one of the apertures contacts the strap to set the working angle of the tines on the bar when the harrow is operated in the field. A chain or link connected to the bracket at a location offset from the bracket pivot suspends the harrow from an upper drawbar assembly which is movable vertically between field-working and transport positions. When the drawbar assembly is raised to the transport position so the harrow is out of ground contact, the bracket pivots so the pin is offset from the strap and can be easily and quickly removed from the aperture and reinserted in a different aperture to change the tine angle.

Abstract: A depth control system particularly useful for single point depth control on an agricultural implement includes a valve and actuator mounted directly to the pivotal connection areas of a hydraulic cylinder that controls height. Cylinder motion directly controls valve actuation independently of complicated linkages to reduce the size and cost of the system and substantially overcome hysteresis problems.

Abstract: A tower and wheel arm assembly for an implement frame includes a pair of identical single piece pivot castings which are selectively connectible at different locations along the frame and provide both wheel arm pivoting and a cylinder anchor tower pivoting. The wheel arm axle extends between the castings pivots within cylindrical cavities located in the castings. External cylindrical surfaces concentric with the cavities rotatably support a pair of tower plates which include circular openings received over the external cylindrical surfaces. Casting symmetry allows the same part to be used interchangeably for either the right-hand or left-hand support.

Abstract: A depth control system particularly useful for single point depth control on an agricultural implement includes a valve and actuator mounted directly to the pivotal connection areas of a hydraulic cylinder that controls height. Cylinder motion directly controls valve actuation independently of complicated linkages to reduce the size and cost of the system and substantially overcome hysteresis problems.

Abstract: A rockshaft is mounted over the front rank of the implement frame and is operated by cylinders located at opposite ends of the rockshaft connected to lift arms extending radially adjacent bearing mounts. Fore-and-aft extending links aligned with the lift arms and mounts operate lift wheel assemblies. A hitch arm connected near the center of the rockshaft is directly connected to a hitch turnbuckle for level lift operation. An aligned arrangement of cylinders, cylinder brackets, links and arms provides minimal torsional loading, particularly when the rockshaft is rotated to fully raise the implement frame for transport and is in the most susceptible shock loading condition. Moment arms are controlled to minimize rockshaft torsional loading during highest stress conditions. The front-mounted rockshaft provides simplicity and advantageous weight distribution.

Abstract: A hitch link structure includes two hitch tubes angled with respect to each other and having forward ends connected by upper and lower hitch plates welded to the tubes. The plates include weld cutouts designed so the same plates can be used with a variety of different hitch tube angles, depending on the width of the mainframe hitch mount-up. Three apertures in the forward end of each of the plates receive bolts which connect the selected hitch link to the plates. The apertures also act as weld fixturing locators to speed hitch construction. The weld cutouts, in generally a half moon configuration, facilitate low cost fillet welds at easily accessible locations regardless of hitch tube angle and facilitate fillet weld connections in relatively lowly stressed areas. The lower plate is apertured to define an intermediate support hole for the safety chain, and the central bolt connecting the hitch link also attaches to the safety chain so the chain is accommodated without additional parts.

Abstract: Lift wheel structure for an implement includes four bar linkage having a curved lower link connected to the frame closely adjacent a first tool-carrying rank. A caster wheel is supported at the forward end of the linkage for castering in an accommodation area defined by the curved lower link. Plates are bolted to the sides of the lower link and extend along sides of an upper link to a connection with a lift cylinder directly above the upper link. The link and the cylinder closely overlie the frame to limit interference with other components mounted above the frame and to facilitate compact folding of implement sections. Loads, including cylinder lift loads, are transmitted primarily through the lower link. A protected transducer assembly is connected between the lower link and the frame to maximize and linearize transducer response in the depth control range.

Abstract: A hitch link structure includes two hitch tubes angled with respect to each other and having forward ends connected by upper and lower hitch plates welded to the tubes. The plates include weld cutouts designed so the same plates can be used with a variety of different hitch tube angles, depending on the width of the mainframe hitch mount-up. Three apertures in the forward end of each of the plates receive bolts which connect the selected hitch link to the plates. The apertures also act as weld fixturing locators to speed hitch construction. The weld cutouts, in generally a half moon configuration, facilitate low cost fillet welds at easily accessible locations regardless of hitch tube angle and facilitate fillet weld connections in relatively lowly stressed areas. The lower plate is apertured to define an intermediate support hole for the safety chain, and the central bolt connecting the hitch link also attaches to the safety chain so the chain is accommodated without additional parts.

Abstract: A hitch link structure includes two hitch tubes angled with respect to each other and having forward ends connected by upper and lower hitch plates welded to the tubes. The plates include weld cutouts designed so the same plates can be used with a variety of different hitch tube angles, depending on the width of the mainframe hitch mount-up. Three apertures in the forward end of each of the plates receive bolts which connect the selected hitch link to the plates. The apertures also act as weld fixturing locators to speed hitch construction. The weld cutouts, in generally a half moon configuration, facilitate low cost fillet welds at easily accessible locations regardless of hitch tube angle and facilitate fillet weld connections in relatively lowly stressed areas. The lower plate is apertured to define an intermediate support hole for the safety chain, and the central bolt connecting the hitch link also attaches to the safety chain so the chain is accommodated without additional parts.

Abstract: A multi-section implement frame includes outer wing sections which fold relative to inner wing sections and then over a main center frame to a transport position. The wing sections include selectively extendable and retractable structure such as lift wheel assemblies which, if extended in the transport position, can interfere with each other. Transducers detect the position of the inner wing sections during folding and unfolding and provide signals to an implement control unit (ICU) to automatically operate the lift wheel assemblies to prevent interference during folding and unfolding and to assure the lift wheels are extended before the implement frame reaches the fully unfolded position. Proximity switches supported above the center frame or other transducer devices such as mercury switches on the wing sections responsive to section angle provide the signals to the ICU. During folding, the ICU causes the lift structure to retract after both switches are activated.

Abstract: A flat fold hinge assembly for implement frame sections that fold substantially greater than 90 degrees includes a modular hinge having first and second hinge portions that bolt solidly to the frame sections. A folding cylinder is protectively cradled between the sides of a cast mounting bracket closely adjacent the frame tube. Floating links are connected to the rod end of the cylinder generally below the main pivot which is offset above the frame tube a distance substantially less than most previously available hinge structures for compact storage of the wing frame close to the inner frame. The design, preferably utilizing four cast components, is more compact than previous designs so the frame sections fold more compactly. The simple mounting arrangement provides versatility in locating the hinge assembly to accommodate a wide variety implement configurations and implement attachments.

Abstract: An implement frame construction includes a fore-and-aft extending apertured tube with transversely extending tool mounting tubes with cross section matching the shape of the apertures. The tubes are inserted through the apertures to provide a mechanical connection not solely reliant on joint weld strength. The resulting joints are fillet welded on both sides of the fore-and-aft tube and provide more bending and torsional resistance than a butt-welded joint without need for gussets. The smaller tube runs continuously through the joint to reduce the number of components and welds necessary for a given frame configuration. The components themselves position the frame tubes relative to each other to simplify weld fixturing and increase resistance to parallelograming. Hinge areas are provided with welded tube-within-tube construction to prevent wall collapse and retain mounting bolt torque.

Abstract: An implement lift system including a plurality of individual electrohydraulically controlled cylinders spaced on a tool frame and connected to lift wheel. An implement control unit (ICU) in the towing vehicle cab is connected to feedback potentiometers or similar transducers which provide signals corresponding to cylinder stroke length or suspension position. The feedback signals are compared at the ICU to a control signal obtained by rotation of a lever or knob on an operator control unit in the cab. Depending on the cylinder position relative to the operator selected position, the ICU provides an output signal to the electrohydraulic valve to achieve a proportional amount of flow for the desired cylinder position. The ICU also compares feedback signals from the transducers and adjusts the output voltage to each of the valves so that the frame can be raised and lowered evenly.